This training outlines a process for selecting a research topic, narrowing the topic down to a specific research question, and carrying out literature review.

By the end of this training, learners should: 

• Be able to define a research topic.
• Be able to conduct a literature review.

Training Outline:

• Select a topic for your research.
• Collect background information about your topic.
• Define your topic as a focused research question.
• Perform a literature review.

Resources for facilitators and learners

Online Courses: 

• “Developing a Research Topic”, Niagara College Libraries + Learning Commons Information Skills Online Handbook, 2020.  
• Dermody, Kelly, Cecile Farnum, Daniel Jakubek, et al., Advanced Research Skills: Conducting Literature and Systematic Reviews, Toronto Metropolitan University Library, 2024. (also available as a book)

Videos, online tutorials:

• “How to Develop a Good Research Topic”, Kansas State University Library

• Tutorial: Creating an Effective Search Strategy, University of Minnesota Libraries 

• “Asking Questions to Explore Your Topic”, University of Guelph.

• “Four Steps to Narrow Your Research Topic”, University of Guelph.

•  “How to Write a Literature Review”, University College Dublin. 

• “How to Write a Literature Review”, University College Dublin.

• The Literature Review: A Roadmap, Florida Atlantic University Libraries.

Library guides:

• “Finding and Exploring Your Topic”, University of Michigan. 
• “Find Background Information”, University of Guelph.
• “Searching for Information: A Practical Guide”, Skills Guides, University of York.
• “Being Critical: A Practical Guide”, Skills Guides, University of York. 
• “Literature Review: Conducting & Writing”, University of West Florida.
• “Research Guides: Literature Reviews”, Toronto Metropolitan University Libraries.
• “Systematic Reviews: A Practical Guide”, Skills Guides, University of York.

Examples of presentations, handouts and worksheets:

• Richard Bruce Lamptey. “Library Research Methods - Information Retrieval and Literature Review" [download], Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. 
• Handout and Worksheet “Developing a research question”, University of Guelph. 
• “Research Worksheets and Handouts”. College of Dupage. 
• Aaron Tay, “AI Assisted Literature Review Tools for Undergraduates: Restrict, Embrace or Curate?” Business Librarians Association (BLA) Summer Conference, University of Stirling, 2025.